360Photography

I paddled the South Platte River twice this year in the upstream/downstream mode covering just a couple of miles above Kersey on January 21 and above Kuner on February 16.

The river is the same as before 2013 flooding, wide open, without any unusual obstacles. More changes you can see on shores including river access.

Evans. Riverside Park, a popular launching place, is closed. I am not sure if it is related to the flooding or just temporary closure due to winter/muddy conditions. No information on their website.

37th street bridge in Evans (left shore, upstream) may be an alternative launching spot with off road parking. It is just below the Riverside Park. Right now, the place is very muddy with a lot of fresh dirt after the bridge repairs. SWA below the bridge is closed.

Kersey access remains the same (not too easy for larger groups).

Kuner access remains the same.

The river flow is good, above 1000cfs, all the way to Fort Morgan. Most dams below Kuner were upgraded with gates during recent years. They may be paddleable if not diverting water. The dam below Kuner (Empire Reservoir inlet) was closed yesterday.

Only a little bit of snow was left on sandbars. Turkey were very talkative and loud. I saw a whitetail deer crossing the river – it had to swim across the main channel.

Related posts:
South Platte River below Denver – GPS/photo river guide
12th Annual South Platte River All Club Paddle
Opening 2014 Paddling Season on the South Platte River